Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Challenges listed at the bottom.

Word Count - 505

Greatest Achievement

"Oh god," Tony muttered, grabbing a fresh glass of champagne from a passing waiter. He looked around, hoping to see one of the team unoccupied so he could escape, but they were all being professionals and doing what they were meant to be doing.

Charming the masses.

Unfortunately, that meant that Tony had nowhere to escape too when Justin Hammer sidled up beside him.

Before Hammer even opened his mouth, Tony was irritated. Everything about Justin Hammer made Tony cringe; not least because the man had tried to have him killed.

"Tony! It's good to see you! I wasn't expecting you to be here, but it's a wonderful surprise!"

"Shame I can't say the same," Tony replied flatly. "This must be better than the prison you spent last Christmas in though, eh, Justin?"

The fake laugh was like nails on a blackboard, and only years of hiding his true feelings behind masks stopped Tony from shuddering.

"Come now, Tony. I know I'm your rival but—"

"Rival for what?" Tony interrupted. "I hope you don't mean technology… or looks… or charm… or money… or… anything at all really, Justin."

Justin scowled, and Tony internally smirked. The other man had never been as good at hiding his feelings. Just another thing that he couldn't quite match Tony on.

"You're a funny man, Tony! So funny! So, any big plans for Christmas?"

"Oh, I'll be hanging around the mistletoe, hoping to be kissed."

Justin laughed again, and Tony looked around the room for a second time, eyes lighting up when he saw Steve heading his way.

"Hey Sweetheart," Steve murmured, when he was in speaking distance. He reached out and wrapped a possessive arm around Tony's waist. "The children are squabbling, I could use a hand if you're not too busy here?"

"Of course," Tony replied with a smile.

"You're not going to introduce us, Tony?" Justin asked, his hand on Tony's arm as Tony turned away.

"Wasn't planning on it, no," Tony replied, shaking him off. "Have a good Christmas, Hammer. Do try and stay out of jail, won't you?"

Tony and Steve walked away, leaving Hammer to fume alone at the bar.

"You are the best boyfriend," Tony muttered. "I don't know who he paid to get an early release, but heads will roll when I find out."

Steve nodded. "He's a creep. Sorry I didn't save you sooner."

Tony leant up to press a kiss to his cheek. "Your timing was impeccable. What are the kids arguing about?"

"Clint and Sam were betting on when you would punch Hammer," Steve admitted. "And Thor was getting ready to do it for you."

Tony snorted. "Punched by the God of Thunder… it would have been Hammer's greatest achievement."

Shaking his head, Steve squeezed Tony's hip. "Come on, let's get out of here. We can pick burgers up on the way home."

Tony smiled. "Just let me say goodnight to Pepper, and I'm all yours."

Steve glanced down at him and his eyebrow quirked. "You're always all mine."

Written for:

North Funfair: Snowman, Step 1: 6. Irritated.

East Funfair: Advent: 9. Champagne

South Funfair: Night Before Christmas: Step 3. 1. Love Actually: "I'll be hanging around the mistletoe, hoping to be kissed."

365: 335. Rival